Lot 3251

Sunderhaus Inscribed Colt Pre-Woodsman Semi-Automatic Pistol

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Sunderhaus Inscribed Colt Pre-Woodsman Semi-Automatic Pistol

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,750

Starting Bid: $1,600

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

E.B. Sunderhaus Presentation Inscribed Colt Pre-Woodsman Semi-Automatic Pistol with Original Box and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1923, this is an exceptional example of Colt's Pre-Woodsman Target Pistol that was presentation inscribed for an Ohio machinist, gun shop owner, and competition shooter. These Pre-Woodsman pistols laid a solid foundation for a long line of successful Colt semi-automatic target and sporting pistols in the ever-desirable .22 Long Rifle. These pistols were produced from 1915 until 1927 when they were officially labeled with the "Woodsman" name. The included factory letter lists the pistol in .22 caliber with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and grips not listed when shipped to W. Bingham Co. in Cleveland, Ohio, on 1 March 1923 as one of five guns of its type in the shipment. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and patent dates, while the left side of the slide had the caliber marking and the Rampant Colt. The serial number is on the front grip strap. It is fitted with an adjustable beaded blade front sight, adjustable notch rear sight, and a pair of checkered walnut grips. The left grip panel is non-factory inlaid with a brass plaque inscribed with "E.B. SUNDERHAUS/FROM/DIEBOLD FOREMAN/JULY-15-1923". Period newspapers list Edward B. "Benny" Sunderhaus as born in 1880 in Dunlap, Ohio, before later becoming a machinist in Canton, Ohio, where he worked from 1912 to 1928 for the Diebold Safe & Lock Co, during which time this pistol would have been presented. After leaving Diebold, Sunderhaus moved to Akron, where he became a machinist for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., running a gun shop on the side. In 1950, he retired from the Goodyear company and ran the gun shop full-time. It is noted that Sunderhaus enjoyed making guns and competition shooting, even having one design patented which he called a "Benny Action". It is said that Sunderhaus was still using his designs in competitions and winning well into his 70s. He died in 1958. Included with this pistol is the original factory box.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Pre Woodsman

BBL: 6 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 22 Long Rifle

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial Number33635

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Excellent, retains 98% of the original blue finish with some extremely light edge wear, a few very light handling marks, and speckling on the front grip strap. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks, presentation plaque described above, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with mild wear and some minor tears.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000